Tue Sep 24 10:12:47 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka High Court Dismisses Siddaramaiah’s Plea Against Governor’s Sanction in MUDA Scam

**Bengaluru, September 24:** The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday dismissed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s plea challenging the Governor’s sanction for investigating and prosecuting him in the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.

The court upheld the Governor’s decision, stating that the complainants were justified in seeking approval under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, and that the Governor is authorized to make independent decisions in exceptional circumstances. Justice M Nagaprasanna ruled that the Governor acted within his discretion and provided sufficient reasons for the sanction order.

The court rejected the CM’s argument that the sanction order was issued without due application of mind and violated constitutional principles. Justice Nagaprasanna stressed that the “reasons must be in the file, reasons for the first time cannot be brought before the constitutional court by objections.”

The court also dismissed the CM’s claim that Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act cannot be applied retrospectively, arguing that the complainant, not the police, is obligated to seek approval for investigating a public servant.

The decision comes after the Governor granted sanction for investigation in August, following a complaint alleging irregularities in MUDA projects during Siddaramaiah’s previous tenure as CM. The CM had argued that the Governor’s action was politically motivated and aimed at destabilizing the current government.

The High Court’s decision clears the path for the investigation to proceed, with the trial court resuming proceedings against Siddaramaiah. The case is expected to have significant political ramifications in the state, potentially affecting the stability of the current government.

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